Vic Hamilton takes the reins of the
investigation office, while Xavier Thorn disappears on an assignment for the
British government. Her caseload is entirely ‘lost and recovery’ cases. In the
midst of solving all her client’s problems, she learns that the government has
lost Xavier. With the help of the gypsy pirate Jacko, and her driver Davy, Vic
rushes against time to rescue everyone.

Most alarming, she befriends and
hires a dangerous criminal as an employee of Xavier Thorn’s Private Inquiries—withoutXavier’s permission.

“Claire,
why are you crying?”

“I don’t
know. I am just so confused. I thought I knew what I wanted, but everything has
changed since you met Xavier.”

Finally,
Vic understood what tormented her sister. “You want an equal partner. Not a
servant, nor a master, but a relationship of mutual respect and interests.”

Claire
looked up at Vic. “Yes. Now do you understand why I want to marry Xavier?”

All her
understanding died a quick and angry death. “No, Claire. I do not understand
why you wish to marry my equal partner. I will, in fact, never
understand that particular desire of yours, and if you persist in stating it
aloud, we will cease to be friends. Am I making myself clear in this matter?”

Claire
looked like a statue of stubborn righteousness.

Vic
leaned forward and glared at her sister in fury. “I don’t care if you think me
selfish. All you need to understand is that I’m serious. Xavier is mine and
only mine. And I will hate anyone who tries to take him away from me.”

Claire
rose and dramatically tossed herself onto the settee in the corner, far out of
the reach of splashes of water. “I have broken it off with Jonas.”

“Good. That means the
both of you can get on with your lives and find more compatible partners.” Vic
leaned back in her tub.